Electric Vehicles - Corporate Fleet transitioning
The Shire of Denmark corporate fleet is transitioning to an electric fleet representing a new, low carbon footprint era for Shire of Denmark vehicles. Shire fleet replacements include Hyundai Ionic and Tesla Model 3 with all future out-of-lease fleet vehicles at the Shire set to be electric vehicles.
This is aligned with the Shire of Denmark Sustainability Strategy Key Principle of Sustainable Travel and Transport which aims to limit the reliance on diminishing natural resources that leave a high carbon footprint and Objective 7.1 to Reduce the carbon footprint for the fleet of corporate vehicles.
Shire President Ceinwen Gearon said Council is proud to be to taking this very important step to reduce the carbon footprint produced by Shire of Denmark operations. “This is an important step towards a transition of our corporate fleet towards electric vehicles,” Cr Gearon said. “When we adopted our Sustainability Strategy in March 2021, we committed to work towards a net-zero emissions target as an important step towards tackling climate change, and specifically to reduce the carbon footprint for the fleet or corporate vehicles so we’re excited to be delivering on that promise.”
Cr Gearon said it was pleasing that Council voted unanimously to make this exciting change. “We committed to taking a leadership role in the community on initiatives which will reduce the carbon footprint of our community,” Cr Gearon said. “I hope by demonstrating that these purchases not only make sense from an environmental standpoint, but also financially provide value to our community by being cheaper to operate than conventional petrol vehicles, that more and more members of our community consider making the change to electric vehicles when it comes time to trade in their own vehicles.”
For further information on the Shire of Denmark's transition of corporate fleet to electric vehicles please refer to the attached Shire fleet goes Electric FAQ's.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
On 30 November 2020 the Western Australian State Government released the Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy with initiatives aimed at preparing for the transition to low and zero‑emission electric vehicles. This included the creation of an EV highway network throughout regional Western Australia to facilitate travel reaching north to Kununurra, through the southwest as far round as Eucla and east to Kalgoorlie.
A progressive roll out will see the State’s electric vehicle network fully operational by 2024, with 49 locations across Western Australia set to receive charging infrastructure. Denmark was not identified as a strategic location, falling between proposed charger installations in Albany and Walpole. To meet the gap in the network the Shire has sought to install charging infrastructure in Denmark.
Berridge Park electric vehicle dual-charger available for public use
The Shire of Denmark is pleased to announce the completed installation of a 22-kilowatt dual electric vehicle charger at Hollings Road near Berridge Park.
The sustainable public infrastructure has been available for use with payment for charging coming into effect as at March 2023.
Shire of Denmark Sustainable Projects Officer Laura Delbene said she is pleased to have the project delivered in such a timely manner and to be able to switch on the charger earlier than anticipated, helping to handle visitor demand over the long weekend.
“This latest piece of public infrastructure will provide a much-needed service to our community and visitors, and we hope the location of the charger will help promote visitor retention for local businesses,” Ms Delbene said.
The Ocular IQ Dual 22kW tower is a ‘bring your own plug’ style charger and payment for charging will be managed through the easy-to-use Exploren app which electric vehicle (EV) owners can download. Two parking bays have been clearly marked for EV parking only and further signage is set to be installed, requiring EV owners to move out of the bays if not actively charging their vehicle.
The Shire of Denmark also offers commuters with electric and hybrid vehicles free use of a dedicated charging station (socket outlet), located at the Shire’s Administration building (near Council Chambers).
Tritium E-vehicle Fast Charging Station
E-bike Purchase Aligns With Sustainability Goals
Staff at the Shire of Denmark will now have the opportunity to zip around town on two sustainable wheels following the purchase of an e-bike this month.
The idea is to reduce the need for fossil fuel powered vehicles when staff need to attend local appointments external from the Shire Administration building.
The new bike was purchased from local business Monkey Rock Mountain Bikes which facilitated the plastic-free purchase, aligning with one of the key principles outlined in the Shire of Denmark’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2031 which was unanimously endorsed at the March Ordinary Council Meeting.
Sustainability Strategy Working Group chairperson and Shire of Denmark Councillor Jan Lewis said the purchase of the e-bike was the very first step towards addressing some of the goals set out in the Shire’s newly endorsed Sustainability Strategy.
“This might seem like a small first step, but leading by example is a key commitment we made when we endorsed our Sustainability Strategy,” Cr Lewis said.
“The Shire of Denmark is committed to being a leader and role model within the community in sustainable practices and carbon reduction initiatives.”
“We also agree that while the Sustainability Strategy is a vital guiding document, we feel it is important to begin to concentrate on actions rather than words.”
“Hopefully the people of Denmark will see our staff electing to attend a meeting in town utilising this sustainable transport option and recognise that as a conscious, eco-friendly choice for the long-term benefit of the beautiful natural environment we enjoy here in Denmark every day.”
As a champion of sustainability in the Denmark community and for the Shire, Cr Lewis was delighted to see the Sustainability Strategy unanimously endorsed by Council in March and said she looks forward to seeing what the Shire of Denmark can achieve in the years to come.
Councillor Jan Lewis on E-bike
Published on Tuesday, 30 March 2021 at 11:55:06 AM
Read the Shire of Denmark’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2031 document here: www.denmark.wa.gov.au/residents/sustainability-and-biodiversity.aspx
Commuter Car Park
The Shire of Denmark provides a commuter car park to support sustainable car travel outside of the area. Promoting car pooling for people that have to travel to Albany for work or other purposes is a major reason for this facility. Car pooling reduces commuting costs, fatigue and your carbon energy footprint. The average Australian car produces 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year so every journey saved makes a real difference to greenhouse emissions. With increased pressure for parking spaces in town, the commuter car park provides a well located area for car pooling drivers to leave their car when they travel outside of the area. The commuter car park will also free up town car parks for businesses and facilities for locals and tourists alike. The commuter car park is located on South Coast Highway between the Shire Office and Denmark Country Club tennis courts.
The new commuter car park provides a central location for car pooling with colleagues and assists in avoiding numerous pickups and drop offs. Add to this the environmental and financial savings associated with car pooling it makes good sense to utilise this new facility developed by the Shire of Denmark.
In Australia, transport is the fastest growing sector contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and enormous amounts of resources, land and capital are bound up with cars. Therefore, car pooling will help to reduce the costs associated with car travel, which represents one of the biggest monthly expenditures for average families. Car pooling also provides the opportunity for a good chin-wag with a fellow traveller!
Total costs for a standard medium sized vehicle are approximately 70 cents per kilometre. So a return trip to Albany, when car payments and other costs are added, can be in the vicinity of $63 per journey. Most drivers only take into consideration fuel costs that would average at an estimated $15 per journey for a similar sized vehicle.
The Councillors and staff of the Shire of Denmark are actively supporting sustainability initiatives within the local area and this new Commuter Car Park facility takes the Shire in a new direction that is providing transport options for the local and regional community. The Shire encourages businesses in the region to support workers who live in Denmark to car pool, as this will help reduce their need for employee parking and improve their employee’s well-being and performance.
Can’t find a lift? Try the free ‘Share Your Ride’ website.
Sustainable Travel & Transport Website links
WA Government Electric Vehicle Strategy https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environment-information-services/electric-vehicle-strategy
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations around Australia https://myelectriccar.com.au/charge-stations-in-australia/
Share Your Ride https://www.shareyourride.net/carpool/Australia